This book takes a close look at our relationship with the sky the stars light and darkness.
In particular it examines how light pollution has interfered with the culture of astronomy and
our ability to appreciate this essential facet of our natural world. The sky has always held
significance for humanity in both cultural and scientific terms. And yet we persistently
pollute it with (sometimes unnecessary) light in our obsessive desire to chase away the
darkness. This effectively switches off the stars hampering our ability to enjoy one of the
most inspiring sights nature has to offer to humankind. In addition too much light is
hazardous to both our health and that of the fauna and flora of this planet.This book also
features a comprehensive look at the current controversy regarding efforts to expand internet
access through the launch into low Earth orbits of thousands of new satellites which will
pollute the night with moving lights while filling to saturation the capability of the
circumterrestrial space. This conflict does not mean that the interests of astronomy and those
of space technology have to be at odds and potential compromises are explored between the
satellite initiative and the desire to maintain a dark radio silent sky.
